India Reports 67 Cases Involved in a Mysterious Neurological Outbreak of Guillain-Barré Syndrome with 19 Currently in ICU
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jan 23, 2025 4 hours, 2 minutes ago
Medical News: Rare Neurological Outbreak Raises Concerns in Pune
In an alarming development, Pune, India, has reported an outbreak of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), a rare but treatable neurological disorder. So far, 67 cases have been confirmed, with 19 patients currently in intensive care units (ICUs) across the city. Most of the affected individuals are from the Sinhagad Road area, prompting authorities to take swift action to control the spread and ensure adequate medical care.
India Reports 67 Cases Involved in a Mysterious Neurological Outbreak of Guillain-Barré Syndrome with 19 Currently in ICU
The Neurological Society of Pune has urged citizens to remain calm, emphasizing that GBS, while serious, is a treatable condition. According to Dr. Sudhir Kothari, consulting neurologist at Poona Hospital and former president of the Neurological Society of Pune, the disease has an annual incidence of 0.1 to 2 cases per 100,000 people. “This
Medical News report aims to break down the current situation for the general public, offering clarity on the outbreak, its causes, and preventive measures.”
Understanding Guillain-Barré Syndrome
GBS is a rare neurological condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the nerves. This can lead to symptoms such as weakness in the limbs, face, and neck, tingling or numbness, difficulty walking, and in severe cases, trouble swallowing or breathing. The illness often begins suddenly and can worsen over a period of four weeks. While some cases progress slowly, others may deteriorate rapidly, requiring ICU admission and ventilatory support.
Neurologists suspect that many of the current cases in Pune were triggered by recent bacterial or viral infections, including respiratory illnesses and gastrointestinal issues. Among the reported cases, a significant number of patients had experienced respiratory symptoms and also diarrhea prior to the onset of GBS. This pattern has prompted health authorities to investigate a potential link to Campylobacter jejuni, a bacterium often associated with contaminated food or water.
Suspected Link to Campylobacter Infection
Dr. Amit Dravid, an infectious disease consultant at Poona Hospital cliasm that Campylobacter jejuni infection could be behind the cause. This bacterium is a known trigger for GBS, often leading to symptoms like diarrhoea, abdominal pain, fever, and nausea before progressing to neurological complications. In some individuals, the immune response to the bacteria inadvertently targets the peripheral nerves, causing the characteristic symptoms of GBS.
He did not answer however when asked if a viral respiratory pathogen like HMPV or a flu virus could also be behind the cause.
Other known triggers for GBS include infections caused by viruses such as dengue, chikungunya, or other bacteria that can induce abnormal immune reactions. Health authorities are currently collecting stool and blood samples from affected individuals to confirm the
role of Campylobacter or other pathogens in this outbreak.
Current Response and Preventive Measures
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), along with state health authorities, has deployed 17 teams to conduct surveillance in affected areas such as Sinhagad Road, Nanded Gaon, Dhayari, and Nandoshi. Samples of water from these areas are being analyzed, and awareness campaigns are being conducted to educate the public about the disease and its prevention.
Private hospitals have been instructed to notify authorities about suspected GBS cases immediately, ensuring a coordinated response. Meanwhile, local health departments are urging residents to follow these precautions:
-Boil drinking water or use bottled water to ensure safety.
-Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly.
-Cook meat and poultry to an internal temperature of at least 75°C.
-Avoid raw or undercooked foods, especially eggs and seafood.
- hands frequently with soap and water.
-Disinfect kitchen surfaces and utensils after handling raw meat.
-Avoid sharing food or utensils during the outbreak.
Rapid Response Measures and Government Involvement
The state’s Rapid Response Team has visited the affected areas, intensifying efforts to contain the outbreak. Stool and blood samples have been sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune for advanced testing. Surveillance teams are actively monitoring new cases, with special attention to individuals reporting sudden weakness or persistent gastrointestinal symptoms.
Notably, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has been briefed on the situation, reflecting the seriousness of this outbreak. Dr. Babita Kamlapurkar, joint director of health services, stated, “There is no need for panic as we are implementing comprehensive preventive measures. Our focus is on public awareness and early medical intervention.”
Demographics of the Affected Population
Out of the 67 confirmed cases, 43 are men and 24 are women, with patients ranging from rural areas to urban neighborhoods in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. Nineteen individuals are critically ill and receiving ventilatory support in various hospitals. Early reports suggest that many patients consumed contaminated food or water, underscoring the importance of adhering to hygiene practices during this time.
Conclusion
While the outbreak of Guillain-Barré Syndrome in Pune is concerning, it is important to note that GBS is a treatable condition when diagnosed early. The ongoing efforts by health authorities, combined with public awareness and preventive measures, are crucial in controlling the spread of this rare disorder. Experts recommend seeking immediate medical attention for symptoms such as sudden limb weakness, difficulty walking, or persistent gastrointestinal issues. By following hygiene guidelines and staying informed, residents can minimize their risk of infection.
Media References:
https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/pune/guillain-barre-syndrome-outbreak-dos-and-donts-9795099/
https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/pune-news/suspected-gbs-cases-surge-to-59-in-pune-pmc-takes-no-panic-mode-101737575233281.html
https://www.deccanherald.com/india/maharashtra/pune-sees-35-suspected-cases-of-guillain-barre-syndrome-3368343
https://www.indiatimes.com/trending/guillain-barre-syndrome-cases-on-rise-in-pune-experts-warn-of-limb-paralysis-if-left-untreated-know-risk-factors-651225.html
https://www.freepressjournal.in/pune/guillain-barr-syndrome-in-pune-former-bjp-corporator-criticizes-pmc-demands-free-preliminary-gbs-tests-for-affected-patients
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/pune-news/guillain-barre-syndrome-causes-60-hospitalisation-in-pune-what-is-the-neurological-disorder-and-how-fatal-is-it/articleshow/117482374.cms?from=mdr
https://www.mypunepulse.com/suspected-gbs-cases-in-pune-rise-to-59-pmc-urges-caution-not-panic/
https://www.freepressjournal.in/lifestyle/pune-reports-59-cases-of-guillain-barr-syndrome-know-doctors-insights-on-symptoms-threats-prevention-care
For the latest on the Mysterious Neurological Outbreak in India, keep on logging to Thailand
Medical News.
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